England team to play Scotland: 2023 Six Nations - Ruck

England team to play Scotland: 2023 Six Nations

Steve Borthwick has selected his first England team to play Scotland in their Six Nations opener at Twickenham.

Ollie Hassell-Collins will make his England debut at left wing, Max Malins returns to the side at right wing and Freddie Steward is named at full back.

Owen Farrell captains the side from inside centre and is joined in the midfield by Joe Marchant. Marcus Smith is at fly-half with Jack van Poortvliet at scrum half.

The front row is made up of vice-captain Ellis Genge and Kyle Sinckler with Jamie George at hooker. Maro Itoje and Ollie Chessum start at lock, while Ben Curry makes his second appearance for England at open-side flanker. Lewis Ludlam and Alex Dombrandt complete the back row.

Jack Walker is in line to make his England debut after being named as a substitute, Anthony Watson could make a first England appearance since March 2021, and if Dan Cole comes off the bench he will earn a 96th Test cap.

Mako Vunipola, Nick Isiekwe, Ben Earl, Ben Youngs and Ollie Lawrence make up the remaining replacements. 

Scroll down for the England team to play Scotland.

Steve Borthwick said:


“There are few fixtures in the rugby calendar that excite both players and supporters alike more than the annual Six Nations meeting of the Auld enemy as they battle for the honour of lifting the Calcutta Cup,” said Borthwick.

“Another packed Twickenham will witness the start of the next chapter of English rugby in one of the most keenly contested tournaments in the world. There is no doubt this England team shares the supporters’ sense of eager anticipation. 

“To a man, the players are determined to play with the commitment, fight and desire that is at the very heart of representing England, the sort of passion that our tremendous supporters rightly expect.”

What channel is England vs Scotland on?

The match is being broadcast live on ITV and ITVX with coverage starting at 4pm 

COMPETITION

For a chance to win a pair of tickets to watch England train behind closed doors with World Cup winner, Matt Dawson on February 14th plus a £250 Charles Tyrwhitt gift voucher so you can show your support in style, simply CLICK HERE to register your details. 

But hurry, entries close at midnight on Thursday 9th February.

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If prize is not claimed by 3pm 10th February 2023, another winner may be selected at random. Charles Tyrwhitt reserves the right to cancel or terminate this campaign at any time. The tickets and gift voucher will be digitally transferred to the winner prior to the event and subject to following subsequent instructions and are not permitted to be resold. By participating in this contest, you have agreed to accept these terms and conditions.

ENGLAND TEAM TO PLAY SCOTLAND:

15. Freddie Steward

14. Max Malins 

13. Joe Marchant

12. Owen Farrell (C)

11. Ollie Hassell-Collins 

10. Marcus Smith 

9. Jack van Poortvliet 

1. Ellis Genge (VC)

2. Jamie George 

3. Kyle Sinckler

4. Maro Itoje

5. Ollie Chessum

6. Lewis Ludlam

7. Ben Curry

8. Alex Dombrandt 

Replacements

16. Jack Walker 

17. Mako Vunipola

18. Dan Cole

19. Nick Isiekwe 

20. Ben Earl 

21. Ben Youngs

22. Ollie Lawrence 

23. Anthony Watson

Three players who won’t play for England again under Steve Borthwick

Steve Borthwick has been brutal In his short time in charge of England, dropping a number of major stars ahead of the 2023 Six Nations.

Below, we look at three established stars who are unlikely to win another cap.

#1. Joe Marler

Age: 32

Position: Loosehead-prop

Caps: 83

Joe Marler of England Rugby during the Six Nations Championship match between England and Wales at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on February 26th 2021. – PHOTO: Phil Mingo/PPAUK

Marler is unlikely to return to the England team during the 2023 Six Nations after he breached one of Steve Borthwick’s main rules.

The new England boss has a “no sh**talking policy” with England, whereby he expects players to behave appropriately on the pitch.

As a result, Marler was left out of the Six Nations squad despite his fine form with Harlequins this season.

Marler’s latest ban was for six weeks – four of them suspended – after accepting a charge regarding comments made to Bristol flanker Jake Heenan about his mother.

At this stage, an international return looks very unlikely.

DID YOU KNOW? Marler started his career at Haywards Heath RFC in Sussex where he played in the same side as fellow England international Billy Twelvetrees

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